Martin O’Neill has wasted no time in signing a player who could prove to be one of the bargains of next season. While some Aston Villa fans will scoff and state that they’re not too pleased with the arrival of Steven Sidwell in place of the treacherous Gareth Barry. others might cast their minds back a season when the midfielder had helped keep Reading in the Premier League, and then check to see where the Royals finished up last season without him.

The Times reports that the deal to bring the player to Villa Park is practically done and dusted (and not in the same way that the Ronaldo deal is, according to Roman Calderon).

“Aston Villa have agreed to sign Chelsea’s former England Under-21 midfielder Steve Sidwell, subject to a medical,” a club statement read.

With Steve Finnan also set to join the Midlands club, it’s hardly all doom and gloom for the Villans, especially if O’Neill can add some more quality players to the squad, a striker would be nice. Sidwell’s move to Chelsea was an odd one last summer, especially with the Blues already having a plethora of decent midfielders at the club. Perhaps he can get his career back on track in the Midlands.